Castor oil packs are one of my favorite ways to gently detox the body. They are easy to do at home, inexpensive, soothing, and effective for many situations. A castor oil pack is essentially a piece of flannel onto which you pour castor oil and then apply to the skin (usually the abdomen). The oil penetrates the skin and deep into the layers of your body.
Benefits of Using a Castor Oil Pack
- Increase drainage in liver/gallbladder area
- Support healthy bowel movements
- Support the breakdown of biofilms
- Support a parasite cleanse
- Decrease bloating of the abdomen
- Decrease and support pelvic menstrual cramps
- Increase your parasympathetic state of rest and digest
- Support hormone balance
- Promote restful sleep
- Promote relaxation
- Enhance toxin elimination
- Reduce inflammation
- Optimize your immune system
Tips for Use
Your castor pack can be used on any area of the body, but most commonly is used over the liver/gallbladder or full abdomen. You may use it lower on the pelvis for cycle support, and a smaller one over the thyroid at the front of the neck. If you have an injury, you can apply the compress to that area for restoration and support (for example, a pulled quad muscle).
How long do you apply the castor pack? For adults, one hour to overnight. For children, 10 – 20 minutes. Remember to wear clothing you don’t mind getting stained from the oil. If I sleep with the castor pack on, I use a towel underneath and an old flannel sheet on top. The comfort received from the castor pack far outweighs the inconvenience of a few items of clothes that hold the oil stain.
I also enjoy using either my Therasage infrared heating pad or a hot water bottle/rice sock applied to the outside of the compress. This heat will help to drive in the anti-inflammatory benefits of using your castor pack.
The castor oil pack is one of my go-to home remedies for supporting my health at home. If you’re looking for more ideas like this, grab the FREE At-Home Health Manual. It’s 20+ pages of my favorite ways to handle all of life’s twists and turns from home.
Using a Castor Pack During a Full Moon Challenge
When taking on a parasite cleanse, or Full Moon Challenge, using a castor pack can provide many supportive benefits. It may alleviate bloating, aide in emptying the bowels, relieve an inflammatory response, and/or provide a quiet and calming space at a time when some notice a heightened sympathetic response.
If you’d like more tips on how to support your physical and emotional well-being during a Full Moon Challenge, be sure to grab our free Full Moon Survival Guide.
Using a Castor Pack During Your Period
Some people find castor oil packs help release cramping. Many sources advise not to use a castor pack during your menstrual cycle. The reason castor pack use is not advised during a cycle is that it can increase bleeding. For those who already have loose stool, experience diarrhea, or who have heavy bleeding in their cycle, you could use it up until the cycle starts, then set it aside until menstruation is complete. As a substitution, you may enjoy a warm rice sock or infrared heating pad instead.
Caring for Your Castor Pack
When you’re done using your castor pack, fold the soft oiled inside together, wrap the straps around it, and store in the container it came in. If it didn’t come with a container, tuck it into a wide-mouthed quart mason jar. I place mine under the bathroom sink until my next use.
You don’t have to wash your castor pack very often. I give mine a wash when the oil starts to seep out to the seams of the pack. Here are two methods:
- Use the dishwasher. Lay your castor pack on the rack and tie the ends so they won’t get caught on anything. Use a natural dishwasher detergent and run a regular cycle. Once the cycle is done, lay it flat on an old towel, roll it up, and wring it out hard to squeeze out excess water. Lay it flat to dry or hang on a drying rack.
- Fill a bowl with warm water, place the castor oil pack in the bowl and liberally sprinkle 2 – 4 tablespoons of baking soda on the pack, massage it in with your hands. The baking soda helps to pull the oil out of the fabric. Let it soak for 12 hours. Once done, rinse with a natural dish soap, then lay it flat on an old towel, roll it up, and wring it out hard to squeeze out excess water. Lay it flat to dry or hang on a drying rack.
Get the Products
The Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack is easier and less-messy than any other method I’ve seen. It’s available in liver, thyroid, and kids sizes. Shop Queen of the Thrones by Dr. Marisol to order yours.
The Therasage Instant Calmer Infrared Healing Pad is a great compliment to you castor pack to add safe and soothing heat. Shop Therasage and use code mhbthera2021 for 10% off.
